Tension in Deryneia: Turkish Military Vehicle Enters Buffer Zone

Tension arose on Saturday in the buffer zone in the Deryneia area when Turkish soldiers interfered with the work of Greek Cypriot farmers. According to the Community Leader of Deryneia, Charalambos Alexandrou, despite prior arrangements with the UN for the protection of the farmers, Turkish soldiers demanded that the farmers leave their fields.

Mr. Alexandrou stated that at the same time, Turkish tractors were carrying out work a few meters further up. The Greek Cypriot farmers retreated, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed and is in contact with community authorities. Mr. Alexandrou described the incident as the "most serious that has occurred in the buffer zone".